EXECUTIVE SPEAKING FOR LEADERSHIP TRANSITION

Coaching for the accomplished and aspiring

For people of calibre, leadership transition coaching develops executive presence when you urgently need it: preparing for leadership assessments, developing influence during change, or planning to engage stakeholders, develop networks or build partnerships. It may include eloquence training, for power and gravitas, or learning about cross-cultural fundamentals where things aren’t working.

Public speaking, job promotion and recruitment all rely on shining just right at that spotlight moment. It might be to self-promote, build rapport, or interview to purpose. There are strategies for return to work, surviving Brexit, and demonstrating competence or tactically exposing your mental calibre when pressured. Coaching will teach you how to communicate complexity without so much leg-work, to perform just when you need to. And with impact. You will manage your performance anxiety. We can even craft, polish and rehearse your pitch or proposal, or your speech – ensuring it has effective rhetorical devices.

Inspiration, empowerment and Freedom

Video Credit: The Kea Conservation Trust. The Kea in flight is a potent symbol of empowerment and freedom. This inspiring majestic bird, along with many species, directly rely on our proactively saving biodiverse regions. Corballis Communication is a supporter of conserving biodiversity in our threatened natural environment, giving regularly to three named organisations that undertake such projects and Earth defence battles. Read more.

COACHES & METHODS

Dedicated to Development

Tony Corballis is hungry to understand people and support their progress, with 25 years of coaching, training and learner assessment under his belt. His expertise is in the communication aspects of executive presence and leadership transition, in self-promotion, employability during change like Brexit and developing interview strategy, and also in voice and speech development, speech writing and presentation skills.

Veteran Track Record

Tony Corballis has over 22,000 hours coaching, training and teaching, with 7,000+ of them in coaching a range of professionals, managers, senior executives, directors and board members, c-suite, non-executive directors in governance, allowing him intimate insights into high-level corporate business life. Read about approach and methods.

Organisational Insight

His own former organisational experience spans departmental restructure consultancy, departmental line management, operational strategy implementation, financial accountability at programme management level, and bringing about culture change in a public sector institution embittered by industrial dispute. Also, Tony explored organisational communication in great depth as post-graduate study and worked in media relations for an NGO. All these perspectives help to inform the coaching approach.

Ideal Credentials-Mix

Tony’s academic credentials include a degree in Commerce and postgrad in Communication Management, along with two teaching qualifications, a current application underway to qualify as Senior Fellow Higher Education Academy, plus decades of extensive professional development in management training, communication skills, pedagogy and learning methodologies, assessment systems, and the principles and practice of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Read more about approaches and methods.

In his professional practice, he is known for being pragmatic and outcome-focused. For 25 years he has also contributed part-time to academic courses in finance, management, IT, business studies, and economics, in further and higher education, alongside other areas of specialised academic development.

Tony Corballis was awarded a Duke of Edinburgh award for authoring the text-book, English for Management, in 2009.

Receiving and Delivering CPD

In the workplace, he has received 500+ hours private- and public-sector CPD in various management and communication skills development, in teaching-learning methodologies and issues, and in assessment systems. In higher education, he currently heads departmental CPD and runs a teacher training programme. Read more about approaches and methods.

Bold and Deep Rigour

Tertiary education has instilled a strong belief in the principals of rigour and robust analytic and critical thinking. With several decades in education, educational publishing, e-learning, course design and educational management, his is the calibre of expertise found on committees that design such programmes as coaching accreditation. Read more.

No Fluff, no Fads

So he is not prone to fads, unlike many coaches. His track record gives him the authenticity, depth and means to distinguish which bits of new trends are genuine, which are just old bits re-packaged in new clothing, and which are just plain nonsense. You can trust your coach. Read more.

CLIENT WINS

“I couldn’t talk to audiences at all. You gave me the confidence to speak to lecture halls with hundreds of professionals and to live TV cameras.” Diana Wilson, OCD-UK

“I’ve just been offered a place at Oxford. Thanks for your time and help. The two hours training were essential for the interviews!” István, doctoral researcher (neuroscience)

“It got me thinking more acutely and more strategically about what I was involved in, who I was involved with, and how I am involved. It’s really given me great confidence.” Louay Michel, Global Head of Client Information, Fixed Income Sales & Marketing, BNP Paribas

“Clifford Chance gave me a Training Contract offer yesterday! … very happy to have secured a training placement with so many prospects. I could have never done it without your support and clear methodology. It gave me so much confidence and a solid strategy.” Anna, Cambridge Law Graduate

“Thank you again for taking the time to train me up on your methodology. You were patient, adaptive to my needs and questions – a true pro!” Natalie Wilkins, HR Consultant, Coach & Facilitator

“You’d think with a Portsmouth MBA I wouldn’t have a problem building business relationships. Tony took communication skills training beyond language into a cross-cultural framework to look at my behaviour and voice, as part of it.” Catherine Yu, Sweet China Plc.

“Tony’s tactical and targeted self-promotion coaching that I’ve been using for many years helped me get me get ahead in Telecom NZ and Ooredoo in Qatar – he’s amazing.” Hamish Goulter, Senior Strategic Marketer and Regulatory Expert in Telecoms

Training courses have passed the test of time!

“After years working for the same company, I was unsure how to present myself to market, but Tony Corballis guided me through recruitment, so at all interviews I had a clear strategy… and now I’ve got a great new job.” Doug Waller, International Sports Marketing, Dubai

“Tony Corballis designed all our original training courses … they have passed the test of time in still being relevant and useful six years later … and with all the fundamentals of good learning and development.” Recruitment Sector Training Partner, London

“I accepted their offer this morning and start at the beginning of February. I’m very excited – it’s leading a project based team in the Market Risk area. Thanks very much for your coaching assistance. It made all the difference. Oh yeah, I also get a 60% pay-rise!” Larry Cohen, IT professional

“… very pleased with the results … made a difference in my style and rebuilt my confidence after changing my business cultural context.” Pedro Arevalo, Financial Services Strategist

“You made me think about the impact I have in the marketplace, which is particularly relevant for me right now.” Dr Matthew Williams, Associate Dean, Sydney Institute of Language & Commerce

“It was very useful – our reflection around objectives, leadership style and change last week. Many thanks.” Strategy Manager in IT, Santander Bank

“She’s made real progress and passed her probation. You’ll be hearing from us shortly regarding more work.” Martin, Risk Advisory Ltd.

“I’ve recommended you as a colleague has just joined Deloitte. I definitely will also resort to you in the future as a sounding audience.” Pedro, Financial Services Strategist

Will pay dividends for the rest of my career!

“… tactical language use, communication development skills, motivation and understanding and he raised awareness to a wide range of effective techniques such as chunking, creating an identity to aid cultural transitions in learning, and using real-life, realistically time-managed opportunities for learning.” Alexandra Pitt, Senior Lecturer, Middlesex University

“Our relationship with Tony Corballis has been a total win-win … I’m so grateful for his patience and flexibility but mainly for his learning and development insights.” CEO of City CV Ltd. (recruitment sector training partner), London

“I was successful in my application and will assume the role … Thanks very much for your help in coaching me for the interviews, this was invaluable and gave me the guidance I needed to approach the process with confidence.” Hamish, insurance company C-level executive

So relaxed now and ready to face this thing!

“I have been offered a place in Ernst and Young … I can’t wait to start. … while challenging, I felt confident and they said it showed. Thank you for all the help, it was invaluable.” John, Accounting Graduate

“I got the Lloyds offer to join their financial market team on the returner programme. Thanks Tony for the interview work – I ended up having 7 interviews with 3 departments and 2 other companies! I totally recommend you!” Anna, Return to Work Programme, Lloyds Commercial Banking

“Thanks Tony, I am so relaxed now and ready to face this thing.” Jenni Burdon, Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service

“Got the job AND a £3K pay-rise. Well worth the £150!” Cathy, Public Sector Accountant

“Tony showed me how to demonstrate my strengths in a format employers recognise. He helped in every aspect of the process, from the way to behave, to having solid answers to questions I was likely to be asked (and they really did come up!)” Graduate recruited in major British property firm

Ticking boxes in the recruiter’s mind.

“Approaching each client with a fresh mind, Tony uses intuitive wide-reaching strategies to develop them, empowering them to make the necessary impact. I personally have learnt a lot through my partnership with Tony Corballis and I hope it continues for many more years.” Recruitment Sector Training Partner, London

“Thank you for all your help… It was very useful to develop my approach to the competency questions in such a structured way, and for recognising the opportunity each time. I will refer you to my friends.” Henry, jobseeker

“… a significant difference to both my performance and confidence … you helped design a strategy to target the specific requirements of the job … the help of an expert like yourself can make all the difference.” Paul Masterton, Financial Consultant

“Although not successful with the first role, I have had great success since then and last week ended up with not one but two job offers! I am very excited.” Sian Stephenson

“Well, I am now a broker in the energy department! Yet again thank you for all your help, this really is an absolute dream job for me, and I’ll recommending you to anybody I know in the position I was in not too long ago!” Jason, Broker

“I got an offer .. at RBS! Wanted to thank you for your help, practice, ideas and tips you gave me. The interviewer said I aced it… I imagined the whole interview was like answering you.” Zaca, Graduate

“…a success – I have made it to MD, it was communicated yesterday. Thank you SO much for your support and advice!” Jean, MD in Investment Banking

“This week I had my first presentation at Accenture. What you taught me was such a useful experience.” Yordanka Velichkova, Consultant, Accenture

Tackled issues in a sensitive way.

“I’ve really benefited from your training… My colleagues commented on my significant contribution, making the right points in the right way at the right time … your coaching has really helped me to be more confident to speak in public. A big thanks to you!” Senior Lecturer in Finance, Middlesex University

“The audience was huge but the talk went really well. I felt much more natural and it just spilled out. I came out from behind the desk with nothing between me and the crowd. I so love speaking now!” Diana Wilson, OCD-UK spokesperson

“… very useful … highly relevant and tackled issues in a sensitive way with long-term learning independence firmly in mind.” Alexandra Pitt, Senior Lecturer Middlesex University

“Tony’s knowledge of linguistics, training and assessment was amazing… intelligent, hard-working and dedicated … always there to listen to our difficulties, and help us find solutions; we all liked him also because he was friendly and handsome and originally from NZ!” Katie Poon, British Police Officer

Care to consider participant’s context.

“What impressed me is the style and the compassion you have … very patient to accompany me through the journey… Overall your professionalism and commitment made the whole learning process enjoyable and effective.” Marketing Lecturer, Middlesex University

“… clear and encouraging…. made sure the participant was actively involved … careful to consider the participant’s own context and build appropriate activities that would not only engage during the session but also encourage independent learning beyond it.” Alexandra Pitt, Senior Lecturer, Middlesex University.

“Tony Corballis was amazing… Really helped lots … highlighted where I need to improve. When I get another interview, I’ll have another session beforehand.” Robert, investment banking jobseeker

“I’m absolutely over the moon! After all the trials and tribulations, it finally paid off – it’s an amazing feeling. Thanks so much for your help, your training gave me a boost.” Brett, successful jobseeker

“I am impressed. The sessions went very well and I learned a lot in a short time. Tony was amazing. Next week I would like to purchase more time with Tony so I can polish my interview skills and be ready to fly. I feel much more confident.” Barry Loucopoulis, Senior IT Consultant

“I noticed an immediate difference in my interviewing technique after coaching with you and dare I say I even enjoy the interview experience now!” Kathleen Dickson

Tony Corballis has coached literally thousands of individuals mostly for specific goals such as recruitment or presenting, but also sustained coaching programmes delivered in Santander Bank, Walt Disney Company, Balfour Beatty Capital, Amazon France, ESPN, AMP Capital Investors and Deloitte. Sample companies for individuals include IBM, Barclays, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, BNP Paribas, Jones Lang LaSalle, Wolff Olins, Toshiba, British Armed Forces, the NHS, Westminster City Council and Whitehall. He has helped countless people of calibre: lecturers, doctors and scientists, publicists, NGO spokespersons, Asian presidential and Gulf royal family members, and Mongolian Foreign Office diplomats, just to name a few.

ORGANISATION LIFEBLOOD

Work-based

Arduous learning is often not an option for the time-starved. We need help on-the-go. Honest coaching gives you responsive and objective support, even workplace-based if necessary. We work in-company or privately in central London venues, one-to-one or training in small groups. We deliver flexibly to your demands. Some say revenue is the bottom line. Others say human resources are the real bricks and mortar of any enterprise. But in fact, communication is the lifeblood of any organisation. Communication is what matters. Studies have shown that eloquence is strongly correlated with success.

Eloquence and power

Research reveals that leaders and executives score higher on lexical tests than their subordinates. Studies into supervisory personnel in 39 companies by Johnson O’Connor found a link between lexical ability and status on the corporate hierarchy. He showed that presidents and VPs averaged 87%, managers 62%, foremen 41%, and floor bosses 32% in such tests. Similar research has shown the same correlation between lexis and salary.

Your success depends on your expression. The greatest achievers typically have a readiness to stand and speak, using richer lexis. Not just able or good, they are simply better. And the truth is that others judge you by the way you communicate. Whether right or not, it’s a plain fact: when you open your mouth you indirectly reflect your education, intelligence and even power in society. Richer and crystal-clear language leaves a great impression.

Empowerment and performance

Companies know this. An enlightened firm is one whose success is tightly aligned with its executives’ success, often measurable in their very KPIs. So communicative competence is a valuable resource, for any organisation. Communication is organisational lifeblood. It can be developed.

Tony Corballis has designed and delivered bespoke training for organisations like Risk Advisory Group, Arax Properties, the Mongolian Foreign Office, Balfour Beatty Capital, the NHS and KL Communications, and a great many one-off seminars for other organisations. Read more. Read about coaching methods, quality and ethics.

BLOG POSTS

The Growth Mindset

The Growth Mindset

We tend to choose one of two pathways when facing a challenge – those from a fixed mindset or a growth mindset. Given his Higher Education work and teacher training, Tony Corballis draws on many experts for his coaching, such as Carol Dweck, who in her book Mindset explores these two.

Forget Affirmations!

Forget Affirmations!

Positive thinking? Just envisage-manifest-voila! No, this isn’t holistic and it may do the reverse. What we fear is exactly what we must do, guru Tim Ferriss says, along with author Susan Jeffers. Coaches Susan David and Tony Corballis agree. Attack your beliefs before gently facing your demons.

Surviving the C-Suite

Surviving the C-Suite

Recently Tony Corballis coached an MD for a rigorous leadership assessment with the amazing organizational psychologist, Renee Bellamy Booth, who co-wrote with Keith Wyche a guide to senior executive life. For those aiming at the top, here’s their fascinating and insightful advice.

Combine the Senses

Combine the Senses

For interviews, people think hard about their hair, handshakes and ‘due diligence’ by scripting sample answers. And on the day? A blank mind. The higher the stakes, the worse the freeze. Why? The answer lies in what cognitive psychologist Michael Corballis describes as combining the senses.

Break from the Flock

Break from the Flock

Don’t be a sheep. Break from the flock. Audiences are selfish, interviewers are bored. They don’t want platitudes or to drown in context. Your ‘gripping’ narrative: they’ve heard a million times. So differentiate with personal branding. Vivid narratives to tease with just selective glimpses.

Normal? No such thing!

Normal? No such thing.

What’s a normal brain? Normal behaviour? Do we over-pathologize? Yale psychology experts show that ‘normal’ wouldn’t work for evolution, and mental health practice should be more subtle and contextual. This is exactly what coaches and educators have known for decades. It’s our ‘social contract’.

Brave Conversations

Brave Conversations

We don’t just de-friend trolls online. Our echo-chambers of the like-minded also occur in real life. So conversations should not be just about niceties and social cohesion. Active listening democratises. When adversaries honestly try to understand each other, the world changes a little for the better.

Trustbuilding begins with Trustworthy

Trustbuilding from Trusthworthy

Interview stories about trust-building? I assess indicators for evidencing such competencies in role-play, scalable according to your seniority. It’s time to cross-map them against what the gurus’ say – a Harvard Business School professor and a philosopher. Our aggregate? Take a look.

Four Tendencies Driving Us

Four Tendencies Driving Us

What exactly drives us and the decisions we make through our lives has had us debating for centuries. A new way of seeing this seems to resonate with many, not just in understanding ourselves but our colleagues, reports, managers and families too. Are you an Upholder, Obliger, Questioner or Rebel?

Teams like Swirling Starlings

Teams like Swirling Starlings

What is it that makes a flock of starlings twist and turn in perfect harmony? What is it that makes any group instinctively work and identify in a unified way? To the long list of the modern world’s experts on teams and groups, we introduce Daniel Coyle and his ideas about culture in teams.